Commercial General Contractor

Arkansas Commercial General Contractor License

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) requires a commercial general contractor license for any project where the total cost — labor and materials — reaches $50,000 or more. The $100 application fee and the required Business and Law examination get you through the door, but the financial statement is what determines which license tier you qualify for.

Two tiers — the financial statement is the dividing line

An unrestricted commercial contractor license carries no project value cap. It requires an audited or reviewed financial statement from a licensed CPA. A restricted license authorizes commercial work on any single project valued under $1,500,000 and requires only a compiled financial statement — a lower-cost audit standard that most smaller operations can meet without a full CPA engagement.

Bond and workers' comp

Every ACLB commercial license requires a $10,000 surety bond filed with the board. Under A.C.A. §17-25-316, contractors required to carry workers' compensation must submit proof of coverage before the board will issue or renew the license; sole proprietors with no employees may not be required to carry coverage under the underlying Workers' Compensation Law (§11-9-101 et seq.).

Annual renewal: $50 on time, $100 if late

The commercial contractor license renews annually. On-time renewals cost $50. Applications filed within 30 days after expiration — or later — carry a $100 late fee. No continuing education is required.

Operating without a license

Performing commercial work over $50,000 without a valid ACLB license is a Class A misdemeanor under A.C.A. §17-25-103(a)(2), with each day of unlicensed activity constituting a separate offense. The ACLB may also impose a civil penalty of $100 to $400 per day after notice and hearing under A.C.A. §17-25-103(e)(1)(A), and may refer cases to the Arkansas Attorney General.